Deborah Stafford
Simms
Summary
Dedicated LVN with extensive experience at UTMB Correctional Care, excelling in medication administration and patient assessment. Proven ability to monitor vital signs and provide effective patient education, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards. Recognized for delivering compassionate care and responding swiftly in emergencies, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
LVN
UTMB correctional care- Telford Unit
New Boston
03.2018 - Current
- Administered medications according to physician orders and facility protocols.
- Monitored patient vitals and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Provided wound care and assisted with various medical procedures as needed.
- Maintained accurate medical records for each patient utilizing electronic health record systems.
- Provided direct patient care by taking vital signs, administering medications and treatments, and providing wound care.
- Conducted physical assessments of patients on a regular basis.
- Performed routine diagnostic tests such as EKG's, urinalysis and blood draws.
- Ensured compliance with all state laws governing nursing practice standards.
- Responded quickly to life threatening situations using appropriate interventions based on established protocols.
- Actively participated in continuing education activities in order to stay abreast of latest developments in nursing practices, procedures, techniques .
- Ordered lab tests or imaging studies according to physician orders while ensuring accuracy of documentation in the medical record system.
- Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques such as medication administration, nutrition management and disease prevention strategies.
- Educated patients about preventative measures for healthy living such as exercise routines, dietary guidelines and smoking cessation programs.
- Monitored patient's respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
LVN
Paris pediatric home health
Paris
07.2012 - 03.2018
- Administered medications and treatments to pediatric patients in home settings.
- Educated families on medical conditions, treatments, and proper care techniques.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare providers promptly.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress and care interventions.
- Provided emotional support to families during challenging health situations.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician.
- Delivered high level of nursing care to ill children in residences.
- Coordinated communication between family members regarding updates on the patient's health status.
- Assessed nutritional needs of pediatric patients and provided appropriate dietary advice accordingly.
- Cared for wounds, administered injections, changed dressings, collected specimens, and performed catheterizations as required.
- Managed various nursing tasks for medically fragile children, which included administering medication, cleaning wounds, and monitoring blood glucose levels.
- Instructed families on how to properly use medical equipment at home.
- Counseled parents on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and discipline methods related to caring for a child at home.
- Provided emotional support to both children and their families during difficult times.
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, of pediatric patients.
- Responded quickly in emergency situations involving pediatric patients.
- Ensured that all safety regulations were strictly followed while providing care for pediatric patients.
- Observed and reported changes in patient's condition to physicians or other healthcare professionals.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living and functional mobility to increase comfort and quality of life.
- Addressed patient care needs, collected vitals, dressed wounds, and managed catheters.
- Participated in on-call rotations and delivered after-hours care.
- Provided wound care, including dressing changes and monitoring for signs of infection.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Delivered compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and families emotionally.
On Call/PRN Nurse LVN
New Boston nursing home
New Boston
07.2012 - 11.2013
- Administer patient medications and monitor health status
- Document patient information in electronic medical records
- Conduct routine assessments and report changes to doctors
- Assist in emergency response within correctional facility
- Maintained accurate medical records for each patient utilizing electronic health record systems.
- Provided direct patient care by taking vital signs, administering medications and treatments, and providing wound care.
- Ensured compliance with all state laws governing nursing practice standards.
- Responded quickly to life threatening situations using appropriate interventions based on established protocols.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
- Monitored patient's respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration.
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
- Administered prescribed medications or started intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patient charts.
- Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Addressed patient care needs, collected vitals, dressed wounds, and managed catheters.
- Answered patients' calls to determine how to assist.
Clinic LVN
Collom & Carney Clinic
Texarkana
08.2004 - 07.2012
- Administered medications and monitored patient reactions at Collom & Carney Clinic.
- Assisted with patient assessments and documented vital signs accurately.
- Educated patients on medication usage and health maintenance strategies.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of treatment areas and equipment.
- Scheduled appointments and managed patient records in electronic systems.
- Responded to patient inquiries promptly and professionally during visits.
- Supported nursing staff in daily operations to ensure efficient clinic flow.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times.
- Maintained accurate medical records for each patient visit.
- Assisted physicians with examinations and treatments as needed.
- Answered incoming calls from patients seeking appointment scheduling or other assistance related to their medical needs.
- Ensured a clean and safe environment for all clinic visitors and staff members.
- Reviewed lab results with providers prior to notifying patients of results.
- Prepared exam rooms prior to patient visits including stocking supplies and ensuring equipment was functioning properly.
- Administered injections as ordered by the physician or nurse practitioner according to established protocols.
- Instructed patients on proper medication usage, side effects, storage requirements.
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
- Prepared patients for examinations, tests or treatments and explained procedures.
Sgt of Corrections
TDCJ-ID Telford unit
New Boston
06.1994 - 03.2003
- Supervised daily operations to ensure workflow efficiency and team productivity.
- Trained staff on safety protocols and operational procedures for compliance.
- Led team meetings to communicate objectives and address operational challenges.
- Directed and supervised team of 65 employees in daily operations.
- Enforced facility rules, maintaining order and discipline among the inmate population.
- Diffused disruptive behavior by verbal interventions.
- Monitored inmate movement within the facility to maintain security and safety of staff, inmates and visitors.
- Conducted random searches for contraband items such as weapons or drugs.
- Enforced discipline among inmates according to established rules and regulations.
- Searched building and grounds, living quarters and work areas for contraband.
- Complied with company policies, objectives and communication goals.
- Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
- Ensured compliance with workplace safety regulations by providing training sessions for all staff members.
- Managed scheduling for staff, ensuring adequate coverage during peak times and projects.
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Developed and maintained a safe working environment, adhering to all safety protocols and regulations.
- Monitored operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
- Supervised daily operations within correctional facility, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Conducted regular inspections of inmate housing units to maintain security protocols.
- Managed inmate movements, coordinating transfers and releases efficiently.
Education
LVN - Nursing
Texarkana College
Texarkana, TX08-2004
Skills
- Medication administration
- Patient assessment
- Electronic health records
- Vital signs monitoring
- Wound care
- Patient education
- Emergency response
Timeline
LVN
UTMB correctional care- Telford Unit
03.2018 - Current
LVN
Paris pediatric home health
07.2012 - 03.2018
On Call/PRN Nurse LVN
New Boston nursing home
07.2012 - 11.2013
Clinic LVN
Collom & Carney Clinic
08.2004 - 07.2012
Sgt of Corrections
TDCJ-ID Telford unit
06.1994 - 03.2003
LVN - Nursing
Texarkana College